NEP gets new police commander

NAIROBI, KENYA: A new police commander has been posted to North Eastern Province to co-ordinate security operations in the area amid growing inter-clan tensions.

Former Nairobi Area head of traffic Patrick Lumumba will be the new North Eastern Regional police commander to replace Henry Barmao. Barmao was moved to police headquarters, Vigilance House.

Inspector General of police David Kimaiyo said the changes were normal aimed at enhancing operations in the area. In the changes, Ngong OCPD Mohamed Farah was also moved to Mumias in the same capacity, swapping position with George Seda.

North Eastern towns- Garissa, Mandera and Wajir have been facing serious security challenges, which include inter-clan feuds and terrorism.

Terrorists raid and attack at will before leaving a trail of destruction and deaths. There has been no or little arrests of the attackers who seem to master the area well. Many believe the attackers are members of Somalia’s Al-Shabaab militants.

The recent attacks in the area left more than 30 people dead and thousands displaced. Kimaiyo ordered last week that the local leaders of Mandera and Wajir Counties including Governors, Senators and MPs be grilled over the violence pitting Gareh and Degodia clans.

CID director Ndegwa Muhoro visited the area on Friday and declared efforts to investigate the issue and declared more than 60 new officers will be deployed there.